Thank you ! Very helpful - just bought a Saab 9.3 aero convertible and have spent last couple of weeks cleaning and servicing it ! Was going to pay £125 to have it cleaned and retreated - watching this video has inspired me to do it myself ! 🌞
This was actually a brush designed to be used with a pressure washer to clean the bodywork of a vehicle but the soft bristles made it ideal for the soft top! Any soft bristled brush will do.
Yes it can be left in the rain but it's best if it has been proofed first to help repel the rainwater. A thorough clean to begin with, then just regular maintenance cleaning along with the rest of the exterior. Regular shampoo can be used along with a wash mitt or soft brush, and the fabric protection should be reapplied as necessary. Clean any bird poo off as soon as you can and try not to leave it parked near trees and bushes for prolonged periods of time as algae may start to grow!
Thanks for introducing me to the Robert Hill band. On the strength of this background music I bought the album. Cheers Guru, I’m off to clean my car now. 👍👍
Hi used auto glym cleaner and protector so easy to do following your steps saved me £120 ! As kit was £15 - roof was filthy cleaned it four times - the tip about using brush was really helpful as stopped over spray and went on evenly Bravo for this series ! 🌞😎👌👍
Hey, i am about to get a convertible and i had a few quick questions. Hope you can answer them. 1. I can leave it in the rain if it is raning right? (i know... stupid question, but doesnt hurt to make sure) 2. How do i keep my top in a good shape?
After soaking, then applying cleaner, then gently brushing, the rinsing process should be done as follows. Rent a carpet cleaner (model which sprays water and sucks it back), buy 5 to 10 liters of deminieralized water. Begin by using the carpet nozzle to extract as much of the remaining liquid+cleaner from the fabric as you can. Throw away that soiled water. Fill the carpet cleaner tank with demineralized water. Using the carpet cleaner machine, spray demineralized water into the top's fabric's, and have it sucked back by the nozzle. Do not apply too much pressure from the nozzle on the top's fabric, gently stroke the fabric, it'll work perfect. See the point: regular rinsing does not remove the mix of cleaning agent+grime, which was actually pushed deeper into the fabric. Running water into the fabric, then sucking it out is the only way, and it's salvation to your car's top. Since it's deminiarlized water (very cheap), virtually no residue remains. All other steps before and after are fine, but that one step is vital, otherwise, you're just pushing grime deeper into the fabric.
I did this yesterday, to the letter, I was dubious to use the brushes. but BRAH. the top is sparkling, now a gleaming white, I had some marks on it prior which has got a lot better, only difference is I used the dilute AP cleaner for first. and for the rest I used it straight outta the bottle
Very helpful video, thanks. There doesn't seem to be too much out there in the way of tutorials like this so well done. I would be grateful if you had a quick look at a video I did back in Feb on my channel on treating a soft top. Your feed back would be much appreciated.
Convertible Tops are very sensitive. Personally, I wouldn't use anything harsh like brushes or pressure washers. Wool mitts and soft car soap would be better for the long run. If I can use it on my face then it's good on the Convertible Top.
They're allot more versatile than you may think - they're made to stand up to thousands of miles worth of abuse from the elements and other outside debris after all. Yes, in an ideal world you would clean them using gentle products only however sometimes shampoo and a soft brush just isn't enough to tackle a deeply ingrained top that hasn't been touched in years.
I note you didn't scrub or spread the sealant, it looked all patchy when wet - would this dry all patchy? we have the same model spyder, the black has faded a bit, is there anything that can put colour back in better than just sealant? Boot polish?
Hi! Can't you make another more modern video on how to clean and protect soft tops. There really aren't many of them out there! Also, do you really reccoment schampoo on the top? I've only heard the opposite
Some poor advice in this clip. I own a 9-3 convertible and I am a Renovo distributor. Don't use pressure cleaners on canvas tops and don't spay on cleaner or proofer because you may not get an even coverage - always apply with a clean (new) paint brush. Renovo has specialist products for this job rather than using "stuff" in your laundry cupboard.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with using a pressure washer on a convertible top provided you employ a bit of common sense. Sometimes a hosepipe just cant cut it against years worth of ingrained grime & greenery, regardless of whether you use 'Renovo' or not.
+Neil McAllister "I am a Renovo distributor". Say no more. "... specialist products..." equals £££'s - for the Renovo distributors. There are plenty of very effective and cheaper alternatives. Marketing hype has to be paid for.
Thank you great video, just finished doing my soft top and low and behold i think i missed the wash off the shampoo ..... it got a double dose of sealant, i have very a few stains that i will try again with you brush idea. just soft sponge didn'rt do the trcik. Thanks again. Bridget
is there anything I can do with fold marks on my roof, there not creased, just kinda like fold marks, I was thinking of doing something like getting the top wet and stretching the top into an open position, but others have said also some kinda fabric spray which removes creases, any ideas?
AdrianJayeOnline been looking for the same solution. It happens when I put the top down. Once I put it up it has some indents and will more than likely become serious in the future. Not sure what to do to prevent this? Did you find any solutions? Thanks.
Given the propensity of Pommie councils to spread salt all over the road in winter, why would you bother? Car's going to be stuffed in a few years anyway.
@@hubristicmystic You give them far too much credit. It barely happens for several reasons. Global warming. Winters aren't what they used to be unless you're in Scotland, Ireland, North England at best. Councils and the HM government don't plan ahead and think to buy salt. It's all reactive, so there can be issues sourcing the salt within a good time frame which is expensive. Then the labour etc to put it on the road. Only extreme occasions will they dump it on the main roads. Everyone else can get fucked in their residential areas/roads.
WOW! The hate here! It was a battle field! I'm glad things aren't this bad today with his newer videos. I know they get some criticism but not this bad.
Nice video and sound advice, obviously there should have been some warnings about the pressure washer and I prefer to use a watering can with a fine rose or a hose with same. I wonder how 'specialist' soaps differ from a good APC except of course in price. There are some very good sealants such as Fabsil designed for tent and awning proofing which do a proper job. The conclusion being it is possible to keep a soft top in good order without breaking the bank.
Yes "common sense" always helps but some people don't know the power of some pressure cleaners. High PSI cleaners will strip paint if used incorrectly. Unless you know what you are doing just use a garden hose and "elbow grease" or you could shred your top.
can any1 tell me if you leave a convertible outside through an English winter. would it brake it(course leaks). I get the impression it could be used in winter due to heated seat and mirrors. has anyone done this. I want a z4 but I have no garage. but the coupe version is not to my taste and the hard top parts are really hard to get
+Tom Crandon Get the hood professionally cleaned and proofed and then give it a maintenance wash along with the rest of the car once in a while and it will be fine. This S2000 had never been garaged and the hood was in perfect nick!
+Tom Crandon I have a Z4 and it's lived outside in the winter. If you've treated the roof then it's fine. Alternatively you can get a cover if you're leaving it out which covers just the roof section. They were built to last so leaving it out isn't an issue. Oddly, my Z4 is for sale if you are still looking. 2006 2.5Si in silver grey.
This is too long and your method is all wrong, why would you hoover it AFTER you washed it, surely you would hoover it first to remove dirt, then wash. Also you cause over spray on the car glass and body work by spraying directly on to the roof, surely spraying on to a micro-fibre cloth THEN applying to the roof would cause less mess. You also soak the roof first then add an all purpose cleaner, by soaking the roof you put a layer/film of water on the surface that does not allow the cleaner to get to the water also by adding to an already wet surface your simply diluting the cleaner and reducing the cleaning power.
Vacuuming after the the wash\dry just picks up and lint\debris prior to sealing, could just as easily use a lint roller as well. Sealant needs to do on uniformally and with enough density to do any good, but yes taping off the paint and trim would be a good idea.
I vac'd it afterwards to remove any lint and airborne contaminants but yes of course you can also vac prior to washing if it's covered in bits! The car would be getting washed right after the roof clean so any excess product on the glass & paintwork shouldn't be an issue as long as the vehicle is in the shade and the residue is not left to dry. There's nothing wrong with applying via a towel, the product just may not penetrate the fabric quite as well. I understand what you're saying about the pre rinse but I find it helps to evenly disperse the cleaner than direct application. If it was a heavily ingrained top I probably would apply directly first, agitate, rinse and then repeat until clean :)
Stevie Galloway your technique is also wrong... a fabric guard needs to be sprayed directly onto the surface you want to protect. spraying onto a microfiber towel first and then rubbing it on the soft top will not allow it to penetrate the fabric.
Rain soaks trough my top. It's a 21 year old car so it will happen I guess. I would hurry up and find a new top though, you can find one for about 2-300 dollars.
I got a 2000 saab 9-3 so idk how easy it is to find a new top.. But all i need is the stuff that blocks the water from seaking threw.. Cause i got this car about 3 months ago and the previous owner probably never really took care of the top.
sWiFTy sMiTTy yeah, if it is just soaking through and there are no rips in the fabric, then just get the spray on stuff. It's expensive as hell to have someone replace your top if you don't do it yourself
+Take1 Films Just treat the soft top with a Waterproofing treatment, "Robs Roof Treatment" sold on Ebay is very good. Also "Renovo" do a Ultraproofer product. Then the water will just bead off.
Thank you ! Very helpful - just bought a Saab 9.3 aero convertible and have spent last couple of weeks cleaning and servicing it ! Was going to pay £125 to have it cleaned and retreated - watching this video has inspired me to do it myself !
🌞
+guitarlover302 No worries!
Finally, a video that has some nice laid back music. All that fast crap in everyone else's videos does nothing but stress me out!
Point very well made
Your videos are so much better now. This is the first old one I came across.
I don't even have a convertible yet, here I am watching. I love your videos!!
This was actually a brush designed to be used with a pressure washer to clean the bodywork of a vehicle but the soft bristles made it ideal for the soft top! Any soft bristled brush will do.
Ahh cool I have one but never found a sensible use for it
Yes it can be left in the rain but it's best if it has been proofed first to help repel the rainwater.
A thorough clean to begin with, then just regular maintenance cleaning along with the rest of the exterior. Regular shampoo can be used along with a wash mitt or soft brush, and the fabric protection should be reapplied as necessary.
Clean any bird poo off as soon as you can and try not to leave it parked near trees and bushes for prolonged periods of time as algae may start to grow!
This is why I like the hard top convertible models best!
What time should i bring my Miata over for a top cleaning? Nice video - thanks for this.
Thanks for introducing me to the Robert Hill band. On the strength of this background music I bought the album. Cheers Guru, I’m off to clean my car now. 👍👍
Nice and thank you for the great video, i have two Verts and will be tackling her tops next day off.
Hi used auto glym cleaner and protector so easy to do following your steps saved me £120 ! As kit was £15 - roof was filthy cleaned it four times - the tip about using brush was really helpful as stopped over spray and went on evenly
Bravo for this series !
🌞😎👌👍
Hey, i am about to get a convertible and i had a few quick questions. Hope you can answer them.
1. I can leave it in the rain if it is raning right? (i know... stupid question, but doesnt hurt to make sure)
2. How do i keep my top in a good shape?
Loool this is so 90's
but thats a 2000 mr2 spyder
hulluhomer2 you spelled "Honda S2000" wrong
Was filmed in 2013...…
Would you use this for interior fabric, seats mats carpets etc?
Can you use a wet vac to dry the roof?
After soaking, then applying cleaner, then gently brushing, the rinsing process should be done as follows. Rent a carpet cleaner (model which sprays water and sucks it back), buy 5 to 10 liters of deminieralized water. Begin by using the carpet nozzle to extract as much of the remaining liquid+cleaner from the fabric as you can. Throw away that soiled water. Fill the carpet cleaner tank with demineralized water. Using the carpet cleaner machine, spray demineralized water into the top's fabric's, and have it sucked back by the nozzle. Do not apply too much pressure from the nozzle on the top's fabric, gently stroke the fabric, it'll work perfect. See the point: regular rinsing does not remove the mix of cleaning agent+grime, which was actually pushed deeper into the fabric. Running water into the fabric, then sucking it out is the only way, and it's salvation to your car's top. Since it's deminiarlized water (very cheap), virtually no residue remains. All other steps before and after are fine, but that one step is vital, otherwise, you're just pushing grime deeper into the fabric.
I'll keep that in mind for any future productions ;)
I did this yesterday, to the letter, I was dubious to use the brushes. but BRAH. the top is sparkling, now a gleaming white, I had some marks on it prior which has got a lot better, only difference is I used the dilute AP cleaner for first. and for the rest I used it straight outta the bottle
Can inuse simple green? Or a drop of car wash soap in water?
My god your videos are better now! Lol keep it up
Very helpful video, thanks. There doesn't seem to be too much out there in the way of tutorials like this so well done. I would be grateful if you had a quick look at a video I did back in Feb on my channel on treating a soft top. Your feed back would be much appreciated.
How do you clean it when you just wash your car? I heard that a wash and wax product is bad
Convertible Tops are very sensitive. Personally, I wouldn't use anything harsh like brushes or pressure washers. Wool mitts and soft car soap would be better for the long run. If I can use it on my face then it's good on the Convertible Top.
They're allot more versatile than you may think - they're made to stand up to thousands of miles worth of abuse from the elements and other outside debris after all. Yes, in an ideal world you would clean them using gentle products only however sometimes shampoo and a soft brush just isn't enough to tackle a deeply ingrained top that hasn't been touched in years.
What's the best treatment to protect a fabric top from the sun (apart from shade, obviously)?
I note you didn't scrub or spread the sealant, it looked all patchy when wet - would this dry all patchy? we have the same model spyder, the black has faded a bit, is there anything that can put colour back in better than just sealant? Boot polish?
Hi! Can't you make another more modern video on how to clean and protect soft tops. There really aren't many of them out there! Also, do you really reccoment schampoo on the top? I've only heard the opposite
Some poor advice in this clip. I own a 9-3 convertible and I am a Renovo distributor. Don't use pressure cleaners on canvas tops and don't spay on cleaner or proofer because you may not get an even coverage - always apply with a clean (new) paint brush. Renovo has specialist products for this job rather than using "stuff" in your laundry cupboard.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with using a pressure washer on a convertible top provided you employ a bit of common sense. Sometimes a hosepipe just cant cut it against years worth of ingrained grime & greenery, regardless of whether you use 'Renovo' or not.
100+ Google+ spam post and you came up. Google plus is shit.
+Neil McAllister
"I am a Renovo distributor". Say no more.
"... specialist products..." equals £££'s - for the Renovo distributors.
There are plenty of very effective and cheaper alternatives.
Marketing hype has to be paid for.
I would have covered the windows and paintwork before spraying any protector.
What do you think of Renovo buddy?
Can you use a carpet shampooer machine on a soft top?
I never have but I guess you could try assuming the top is nice & robust.
Can u use a power brush or is it way to harsh
Never done it myself (or seen it done much tbh) but guess you could try it on low speed so long as the bristles aren’t too stiff.
In 4:35 CarCleaningGuru what music is it?
Is a mk1 audi tt roadster canvas or vinyl roof??
what brush do you use to clean the top? Great video!
is that di - luted all purpose cleaner your using there G101 ?. Good vid btw.
what protectant/sealer did you use?
Is that awesome spray?
Thank you great video, just finished doing my soft top and low and behold i think i missed the wash off the shampoo ..... it got a double dose of sealant, i have very a few stains that i will try again with you brush idea. just soft sponge didn'rt do the trcik.
Thanks again.
Bridget
Any tips on how to remove moss from a canvas?
This should get rid of moss
is there anything I can do with fold marks on my roof, there not creased, just kinda like fold marks, I was thinking of doing something like getting the top wet and stretching the top into an open position, but others have said also some kinda fabric spray which removes creases, any ideas?
AdrianJayeOnline been looking for the same solution. It happens when I put the top down. Once I put it up it has some indents and will more than likely become serious in the future. Not sure what to do to prevent this? Did you find any solutions? Thanks.
Was that a cloth top or vinyl top?
Task514 the S2k doesn’t use vinyl tops I don’t think
Use DAZ detergent and a nail brush brilliant and cheap
Have seen so many people who have bought tops and don't do anything to protect them...
Have seen so many people who have bought cars and don't do anything to protect them!
Given the propensity of Pommie councils to spread salt all over the road in winter, why would you bother? Car's going to be stuffed in a few years anyway.
@@hubristicmystic You give them far too much credit. It barely happens for several reasons. Global warming. Winters aren't what they used to be unless you're in Scotland, Ireland, North England at best. Councils and the HM government don't plan ahead and think to buy salt. It's all reactive, so there can be issues sourcing the salt within a good time frame which is expensive. Then the labour etc to put it on the road. Only extreme occasions will they dump it on the main roads. Everyone else can get fucked in their residential areas/roads.
thank you
Be careful if you have a mohair soft top. This video is for a vinyl roof. You will need a much softer brush for a mohair roof!
As long as your wash your convertible and maintain the top, it should keep looking good
Aye, that's G101 @ 1:10 :)
WOW! The hate here! It was a battle field! I'm glad things aren't this bad today with his newer videos. I know they get some criticism but not this bad.
Nice video and sound advice, obviously there should have been some warnings about the pressure washer and I prefer to use a watering can with a fine rose or a hose with same.
I wonder how 'specialist' soaps differ from a good APC except of course in price. There are some very good sealants such as Fabsil designed for tent and awning proofing which do a proper job.
The conclusion being it is possible to keep a soft top in good order without breaking the bank.
Yes "common sense" always helps but some people don't know the power of some pressure cleaners. High PSI cleaners will strip paint if used incorrectly. Unless you know what you are doing just use a garden hose and "elbow grease" or you could shred your top.
www.carcleaningguru.com/does-using-a-pressure-washer-damage-the-paintwork/
can any1 tell me if you leave a convertible outside through an English winter. would it brake it(course leaks). I get the impression it could be used in winter due to heated seat and mirrors. has anyone done this. I want a z4 but I have no garage. but the coupe version is not to my taste and the hard top parts are really hard to get
+Tom Crandon Get the hood professionally cleaned and proofed and then give it a maintenance wash along with the rest of the car once in a while and it will be fine. This S2000 had never been garaged and the hood was in perfect nick!
+Tom Crandon
I got a relatively cheap and easy to put on cover that I keep on my S2000 when I'm not driving it. Keeps the sun from baking it out.
+Tom Crandon I have a Z4 and it's lived outside in the winter. If you've treated the roof then it's fine. Alternatively you can get a cover if you're leaving it out which covers just the roof section. They were built to last so leaving it out isn't an issue. Oddly, my Z4 is for sale if you are still looking. 2006 2.5Si in silver grey.
I just use my leaf blower for the inside
Now i know to clean a convertible top......all I have left is to get a convertible car 🚗
What happen to the tats guru?
Very old video filmed many moons ago.
Great music..good job..👍
Did he say at 2:40 bear droppings? how many bears live near him where bears climb on an MG to shit on the roof
Bird droppings 🤦😭😭
Do I hear When the Levee Breaks somewhere ?
what music was playing?
Robert Hill band. 👍
Loud music.
why fabric guard?since its vinyl?
kitsis29706 no it's not
DO NOT SCRUB IN RANDOM MOTION.....
SCRUB FROM FRONT TO REAR OF ROOF OR
WITH THE GRAIN!
be careful. nail brush will make it fuzzy
Is that an S2000!??
Yes, I owned one way back when.
Jet-washing a convertible roof=NO!
I watch car cleaning guru because of the accent😂👍
his voice his so nice right
Enrico den Ridder yeah
good tips :)
apologies spelling booboo's
that should have said a few stains and sponge didn't do the trick.
Thanks again.
B
Mx5 Mark 3?
honda s2000
Did u really need the ear piercing beeps at the beginning
2020 🙌🏻
Wrong no stiff brushes.. that’s nuts..
Sometimes it’s necessary.
z4?
S2K.
Isn't 1:10 a bit too much ?
S2000 👍🏽
This is too long and your method is all wrong, why would you hoover it AFTER you washed it, surely you would hoover it first to remove dirt, then wash. Also you cause over spray on the car glass and body work by spraying directly on to the roof, surely spraying on to a micro-fibre cloth THEN applying to the roof would cause less mess.
You also soak the roof first then add an all purpose cleaner, by soaking the roof you put a layer/film of water on the surface that does not allow the cleaner to get to the water also by adding to an already wet surface your simply diluting the cleaner and reducing the cleaning power.
Vacuuming after the the wash\dry just picks up and lint\debris prior to sealing, could just as easily use a lint roller as well. Sealant needs to do on uniformally and with enough density to do any good, but yes taping off the paint and trim would be a good idea.
I vac'd it afterwards to remove any lint and airborne contaminants but yes of course you can also vac prior to washing if it's covered in bits!
The car would be getting washed right after the roof clean so any excess product on the glass & paintwork shouldn't be an issue as long as the vehicle is in the shade and the residue is not left to dry. There's nothing wrong with applying via a towel, the product just may not penetrate the fabric quite as well.
I understand what you're saying about the pre rinse but I find it helps to evenly disperse the cleaner than direct application. If it was a heavily ingrained top I probably would apply directly first, agitate, rinse and then repeat until clean :)
Stevie Galloway your technique is also wrong... a fabric guard needs to be sprayed directly onto the surface you want to protect. spraying onto a microfiber towel first and then rubbing it on the soft top will not allow it to penetrate the fabric.
Stevie Galloway a
Stevie Galloway ii
My top leaks like a bitch in da rain.. hahaha
Rain soaks trough my top. It's a 21 year old car so it will happen I guess. I would hurry up and find a new top though, you can find one for about 2-300 dollars.
I got a 2000 saab 9-3 so idk how easy it is to find a new top.. But all i need is the stuff that blocks the water from seaking threw.. Cause i got this car about 3 months ago and the previous owner probably never really took care of the top.
sWiFTy sMiTTy yeah, if it is just soaking through and there are no rips in the fabric, then just get the spray on stuff. It's expensive as hell to have someone replace your top if you don't do it yourself
+Take1 Films Just treat the soft top with a Waterproofing treatment, "Robs Roof Treatment" sold on Ebay is very good. Also "Renovo" do a Ultraproofer product. Then the water will just bead off.
I got a new top lmao
Get siri to do the voiceover
Throw that box in the junk yard. Garbage shyt
Proper drivers car.
@@CarCleaningGuru its a bich car a car for girls over 50 Hahaha
RWD, no traction control and a 9k redline ain’t for bitches.